On-pace Camier 'shocked' by test spill

Leon Camier was fortunate to escape injury following a huge off as the British rider excelled during the first day of an unofficial World Superbike test at Phillip Island in Australia.

The Fixi Crescent Suzuki ace posted the second quickest time on his Yoshimura-powered GSX-R1000 despite suffering a massive high-side in the morning.

Camier's fastest lap in 1m 31.9s left him snapping at the heels of early pacesetter Eugene Laverty on the factory Aprilia RSV4, who posted a 1m 31.7s lap to end the opening day on top.

“Today ended up pretty good considering the crash in the morning, we ended up second quickest which was good,” said Camier.

“I don't really know why I crashed because the track felt good and it was nice and smooth with the new surface – in fact it was quite confidence inspiring.

“I was on an in-lap and as I turned into the second-last corner in quite a positive way – but slower than previously – the bike just came round on me and off I went,” he explained.

“I was really shocked, as I didn't expect it and I was suddenly very high in the air - I thought it was going to hurt when I was up there - luckily I didn't hurt myself other than bashing my elbow and ankle.”

The former British Superbike champion said the crash served as an early wake-up call ahead of the opening round of the World Superbike Championship next weekend.

“For the rest of the day I had more respect for the track and I just let it come to me.

“The surface improved as the day went on, not with grip really but tyre durability.

“We ended up going pretty quick, which was good and now we have to work on race-pace and concentrate on the race weekend,” he said.

“There is still room for improvement in the bike – nothing massive – and I also feel that I can improve as well and the feeling with the setting could be better.

“I think it will get harder and harder from here because the track will get better and everyone will push more.”